Greece’s Golden Age Chapter 4 Section 4

Greek Philosophy After its defeat, Athens became home to several philosophers who tried to understand human life. The work of many of these Greek philosophers are still influential today. 2

Socrates and The Rise of Political Philosophy One of the greatest contributions of Greece was its origination of political philosophy. Just before and during the Pelopponnesian War, an Athenian citizen, Socrates, began raising questions such as, “What is justice?” Socrates asked these questions of his fellow citizens, in public places.

Socratic Method Socrates’ mode of inquiry, asking questions and analyzing the answers, became known as the Socratic Method. He was viewed as a threat to Athenians settled way of life. He was finally put to death by Athens for corrupting the youth.

Death of Socrates Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825)

Plato Socrates’ most famous student was Plato, who wrote the first great works of political philosophy. His most famous work is The Republic, His books are written as dialogues, or conversations. These conversations are usually between a character named Socrates, and other Athenian citizens.

Aristotle Plato started a school, called The Academy. His most famous student was Aristotle. Aristotle wrote many works of philosophy, and made the first systematic effort to collect and organize information on a wide variety of topics. Considered to be the first scientist. His works are written as treatises, which are more systematic, but much drier than dialogues. One of these is the Politics, the first systematic treatise on politics.

Other Greek Contributions

Sciences Along with theater and philosophy, other things were gaining importance in studies. Astronomy, Astrology and Medicine left lasting effects of this great Greek society. Gov’t Most important was the idea started by the Athenians known as a Democracy or a representative government.

Greece gave rise to the Olympics games Olympic Games Greece gave rise to the Olympics games Every 4 years, some 40,000 Greeks crowded into the stadium built in Olympia to watch competitions. Earliest games featured foot races of about 200 yards. Later athletes also competed in wrestling, boxing, jumping, javelin and discus throwing events Allowed soldiers and athletes a way to compete and gain glory and honor through competition.